Bismarck鈥檚 Mark Dodd among IHSFCA Hall of Fame Class of 2024
BISMARCK, Ill. — Mark Dodd received a phone call from an unknown number in December, and put his phone on speaker just as his wife, Thea, walked in the room. It was the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association calling to inform him of his selection into the IHSFCA Hall of Fame Class of 2024. 鈥淚t was nice to have Thea share that moment,鈥� Mark said.
Mark revealed how he views it as a legacy award, having more than 100 football wins in over 20 years of coaching. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a nice reward near the end of a career,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been real fortunate. I still feel I GET to go to work.鈥�
Mark began his coaching career at Richmond-Burton High School, where he was head coach for both football and basketball for his first four years, before concentrating on football his last three years there. 鈥淭here were only two classes in IHSA basketball then, and eight in football. I wanted a state championship, and I thought I had better odds in football!鈥�
Mark was also ready to start a family, and knew coaching two sports would take much time away from them. The choice was made.
After coaching at Danville for five years, Mark took some time off, and only coached his young sons in peanut football. 鈥淚 fell in love with coaching again. Someone was watching out for me.鈥�
Mark has spent the past seventeen years at Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin High School, where he has led the Blue Devils to over 100 wins, nine Vermilion Valley Conference titles (four- and five-year streaks), and numerous playoff appearances. Each of Mark鈥檚 sons played on either of those streaks, so both boys finished four-time VVC champs. Looks like there is always some competition in the family.
With over 170 career wins, Mark would like to make it to 200 wins before he retires. 鈥淚 heard an interview with former St. Joe Coach Dick Duvall, who had over 200 wins. At the time I only had a hundred victories, but I liked the sound of 200. It will take some good seasons, but I think I can do it.鈥�
An attitude like that is sure to keep fans of BHRA football very happy for several more years.
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